We tried it: Crunchies Natural Snacks

Crunchies Natural Snacks, made by Crunchies Food Co., are a natural, freeze-dried snacks with no added sugar or preservatives that come in more than 15 fruit and vegetable flavors, including strawberry.

Cost: $3.99-$6.29 (1- to 3.25-ounce bags); 99 cents to $1.69 (1/3 ounce, single serving bags); sold at retail stores and online at www.crunchiesfood.com.

Description: Crunchies natural, freeze-dried, fat- and gluten-free snacks are high in fiber, vitamins and minerals, with no additives or preservatives. They come in six veggie flavors, nine fruit flavors and three organic flavors. The small bags have as few as 35 calories, and the larger bags have 200 to 300 calories.

Crunchies are produced by placing individually frozen fruits and veggies in a refrigerated vacuum chamber that removes up to 97 percent of the moisture. The company says this creates a crunchy treat that retains almost all of its nutrients and enzymes while still maintaining its shape and intensifying its flavor.

What we liked about it: These are definitely wholesome and nutrient-packed snacks. They are free of preservatives, added sugar, trans fat and excessive sodium. The blueberry and pineapple flavors were especially good and had a crisp texture.

What we didn't like: Some of the flavors, such as edamame, roasted veggies and some fruit flavors, were super-dry and tasteless, and the texture was not pleasant.